Select from these serum-free media

Our serum-free media promote superior cell growth and viability

Serum-free media (SFM) allow researchers to grow a specific cell type or perform a specific application in the absence of serum.

Advantages of using serum-free media include:

Easier purification and downstream processing

Precise evaluations of cellular function

Increased definition

More consistent performance

Increased growth and/or productivity

Better control over physiological responsiveness

Enhanced detection of cellular mediators

Things to consider in serum-free culture

Overall, cells in serum-free culture are more sensitive to extremes of pH, temperature, osmolality, mechanical forces, and enzyme treatment.

Antibiotics
It is best not to use antibiotics in serum-free media. If you do, we recommend that you use 5- to 10-fold less than you would in a serum-supplemented medium. This is because serum proteins tend to bind a certain amount of the antibiotic added; without these serum proteins the level of antibiotic may be high enough to be toxic to certain cells.
Higher density
Cells must be in the mid-logarithmic phase of growth, with viability >90% prior to adaptation. Sequential adaptation may be necessary. Seeding cultures at a higher density than normal at each passage during SFM adaptation may help the process. Because some percentage of cells may not survive in the new culture environment, having more cells present will increase the number of viable cells to further passage.

Clumping
Cell clumping often occurs during adaptation to SFM. We recommend that you gently triturate the clumps to break them up when passaging cells.

Morphology
It is not uncommon to see slight changes in cellular morphology during and after adaptation to SFM. As long as doubling times and viability remain good, slight changes in morphology should not be a reason for concern.